1 items £44.00
Not every Rioja needs to be saved for a special occasion. Ondarre Rivallana is a beautifully made Crianza that combines ripe red fruit, gentle savoury character and subtle vanilla spice from twelve months in American and French oak.
Smooth, balanced and wonderfully easy to enjoy, it offers authentic Rioja character at an everyday price. Whether you're serving tapas, roast meats or simply opening a bottle with dinner, Rivallana is an honest, dependable Rioja that we recommend with confidence.
Why We Think You'll Love It
Merchant's Recommendation
Recommended if you enjoy: smooth, fruit-forward red wines, traditional Rioja, easy-drinking Claret and versatile reds that work just as well with dinner as they do on their own.
Rivallana is the sort of bottle that reminds us why Rioja has remained one of the world's favourite everyday red wines. It offers ripe fruit, gentle oak and familiar Rioja character without becoming too heavy, mature or demanding.
We would recommend it to someone looking for an authentic Rioja without stepping up to Reserva, or to an established Rioja drinker who simply wants a dependable bottle for a relaxed meal.
For us, Rivallana represents outstanding everyday Rioja: honest, balanced and consistently enjoyable.
Tasting Notes
Appearance: Bright ruby red with youthful violet highlights, reflecting the wine's fresh and vibrant character.
Nose: Ripe cherry, raspberry and red plum are joined by subtle vanilla, sweet spice and a gentle touch of cocoa from oak ageing. Delicate savoury notes underneath the fruit give the wine its recognisably traditional Rioja personality.
Palate: Medium-bodied, smooth and beautifully balanced. Juicy red berry and plum flavours lead the way, followed by vanilla, soft spice and mellow oak. The tannins are supple, while refreshing acidity keeps the wine lively and exceptionally easy to drink.
Finish: Clean, smooth and gently savoury, with lingering red fruit, soft spice and a subtle touch of vanilla.
About Bodegas Ondarre
Bodegas Ondarre is based in Viana and has built an excellent reputation for producing Rioja that respects the region's traditions while remaining approachable, balanced and consistently enjoyable.
The winery is particularly highly regarded for its mature Rioja styles, and that experience is also evident in Rivallana. The oak is carefully judged, the fruit remains expressive and the finished wine feels unmistakably Rioja without becoming heavy or overworked.
Discover more in our Bodegas Ondarre producer guide.
Winemaking
Rivallana is made from 90% Tempranillo, supported by 5% Garnacha and 5% Mazuelo.
Tempranillo provides the wine's red fruit, balance and structure. Garnacha adds a little extra generosity and warmth, while Mazuelo contributes freshness and a gently savoury edge.
After temperature-controlled fermentation, the wine is matured for twelve months in American and French oak barrels. American oak introduces familiar notes of vanilla and sweet spice, while French oak contributes finer structure and subtle complexity.
The result is a Crianza in which oak supports the fruit rather than dominating it.
Vineyards
The grapes come from vineyards around Viana, planted on the northern hills overlooking the Rioja valley at approximately 550 metres above sea level.
South-facing slopes help the grapes ripen fully, while the altitude and cooler conditions preserve the freshness needed to keep the wine balanced and lively.
The vines have an average age of around twenty-five years, producing fruit with enough concentration to give Rivallana genuine character while retaining the approachable nature expected from a good Crianza.
Food Pairing
Rivallana is an exceptionally useful wine around the dinner table. Its ripe fruit, soft tannins and gentle savoury character pair particularly well with roast pork, roast chicken, grilled lamb, burgers and tomato-based pasta dishes.
It is also an excellent choice with tapas, chorizo, chargrilled vegetables, Manchego and mature Cheddar.
Explore more ideas in our Rioja Food Pairing Guide.
Serving
Serve at around 16–18°C. If the bottle has been stored in a warm room, placing it in the fridge for fifteen to twenty minutes before serving will help the fruit and freshness remain in balance.
There is no need to decant it, although allowing the wine a few minutes in the glass will help the red fruit, vanilla and savoury aromas become more expressive.
Merchant's Verdict
Ondarre Rivallana Crianza doesn't try to imitate a more mature Reserva. Its appeal lies in youthful fruit, gentle oak and a relaxed, food-friendly character that makes it easy to enjoy whenever the occasion calls for a good bottle of Rioja.
It offers authentic regional character, the reassurance of a respected producer and considerably more personality than its modest price might suggest. For a midweek meal, casual gathering or first exploration of Rioja Crianza, this is a bottle we're very happy to recommend.
Choosing Rioja with Confidence
These guides can help if you'd like a little more information before choosing your bottle.
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